Thermic machine with thermodynamic cycle and the operation thereof

ABSTRACT

Thermodynamic cycle thermic machine and the operation thereof. 
     Consisting of a tank ( 1 ) of compressed subcooled liquid at room temperature, which is filled either of recoverable liquids supplied by a machine with closed thermic cycle or of new liquids supplied by thermic machines with opened thermic cycle, a suction line, a pump, a pump output line ( 6 ), a line for supplying a high temperature fluid, a fluid mixing zone, a turbine, a turbine outlet to the environment or to a closed, cycle thermic machine; a heat exchanger or a boiler can be added to said output line. Pumping the compressed liquid from the tank to the mixing zone and supplying simultaneously a high temperature fluid, increasing the velocity of the mixture obtained as a result of density change by evaporation. The mixture is sent to the turbine to perform work by change in kinetic energy.

This application claims priority to Spain Patent Application number P201500251, filed Apr. 10, 2015, titles “THERMIC MACHINE WITH THERMODYNAMIC CYCLE AND THE OPERATION THEREOF”.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the use of the energy of the fluids exhausted by thermic machines. These fluids are at higher temperatures than the boiling point of a compressed liquid or of compressed liquids with a pressure equal to or greater than atmospheric pressure.

Hereby is proposed as innovation the pumping of a fluid or a mixture of fluids of the same type or of different types, the energy of which is intended, to be used in a liquid compressed state, so that, when mixed with the fluid which energy is intended to be used, it evaporates and increases its kinetic energy until reaching the state of saturated steam or superheated steam. Currently, hot gases in thermic machines are exhausted to the atmosphere or to a heat exchanger to extract its energy without being used for obtaining a thermodynamic work. Another innovation consists in pumping a fluid or a mixture of fluids in a liquid state compressed by a highly-heated source to reach the state of saturated liquid and mix with the high temperature fluid which energy is intended to be used so as to increase its kinetic energy.

The kinetic energy obtained in the present invention in used by being sent to a turbine or to a group of turbines, for generating a thermodynamic work.

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE PRESENT INVENTION

Thermic machines must expel heat to the environment for being capable to operate. Currently, the thermodynamic cycles opened to the atmosphere lose energy by exhausting hot gas to the environment. For example: in the Brayton cycle, the actual exhaust temperature ranges between 495 and 560 degrees Celsius.

In closed-cycle thermic machines, the high temperature fluid exhausted by the turbine loses its energy by passing through condensers or heat exchangers.

There are currently no devices or inventions that use the pumping of fluids for using this energy by the change of the kinetic energy by evaporation and by sending to a turbine or to groups of turbines so as to generate a thermodynamic work. Therefore, the energy which hot gases have therein is lost. In contrast, in the present invention, the saturated or superheated steam which is obtained when mixed or heat-exchanged is sent to a turbine which uses the change of kinetic energy therein to generate a work. This makes the thermic machine more efficient because it still uses the remaining energy which the hot gases have therein and reduces the volume of CO, that is exhausted to the atmosphere.

Using the energy of the conventional thermic machines is done by varying the enthalpy by changing the pressure in a turbine. It is not done by changing the kinetic energy in the turbines because changes in kinetic energy at high pressures are not significant. This is because the change in kinetic energy by the change of density is small compared with the enthalpy change.

For example, a Rankine-cycle thermic machine takes water at 20° C. and at atmospheric pressure. Raise the pressure up to 2 MPa and the fluid leaves the boiler at a temperature of 400° C. with a mass flow 7.5 Kg/s, at a velocity of 1 m/s at the inlet of the boiler and a velocity at the outlet of 140 m/s. Have a change of kinetic energy of 9.8 kJ/kg because its density changes from 948 kg/m³ to 6.61 kg/m³ and its enthalpy change amounts to 2861 kJ/kg. That is, the change in kinetic energy is very small and is thus neglected. And the higher is the pressure, the lower is the change of kinetic energy.

In the present invention, its increase is done by evaporation to the atmospheric pressure and the density of the steam at 400° C. would be 0.3223 kg/m³, changing its velocity from 1 m/s to 2870 m/s as its kinetic energy change amounts to 4120.04 KJ/kg. It is a significant change and its energy can be used by sending it to a turbine.

The advantage offered by the present invention is to use the energy that the hot fluids still have therein at the outlet of the turbine of thermic machines before they are lost in the atmosphere, through evaporation of a liquid, making its velocity be significantly increased so as to be capable to perform a work in a turbine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Although no invention identical to the one herein described has been found in the art, documents retrieved for illustrating the prior art related thereto are set forth below.

As such, document ES2447827T3 describes a thermodynamic machine which comprises a circuit system in which circulates a working fluid that particularly boils at low temperature, so as to alternate between a has phase and a liquid phase, with a heat exchanger, with an expansion machine, with a condenser and a pump for liquid, wherein a partial pressure that increases the system pressure is imposed on the liquid working fluid in the head of the pump of liquid through the addition of a not condensable auxiliary gas.

The proposed invention is based on using the energy by means of the change of the kinetic energy due to the evaporation of one or more compressed liquids when mixed with a fluid at a temperature higher than that of the boiling point. The auxiliary gas is not used to prevent cavitation and an expansion machine is used, which acts as a turbine and uses the energy for the change of entropy, like the invention does, comparatively.

ES2453904T3 proposes a thermodynamic system, comprising: a cyclical heat exchange system, and a heat transfer system comprising: an annular evaporator including a wall configured to be coupled to a portion of the cyclical heat exchange system and a main wick coupled to the wall, and a condenser coupled to the evaporator to form a closed loop that houses a working fluid; wherein the annular evaporator is adjusted by way of interference in the cyclical heat exchange system.

In the proposed invention, is used the available energy of a fluid that is at a high temperature, by evaporation of one or more compressed liquids when mixed. The kinetic energy of the mixture is the one being used to perform work on the turbine and is not only a heat exchanger.

Document ES2012529A6 proposes a combined cycle and thermodynamic machine, in which the machine is constituted by the association of a thermic engine with a thermodynamic machine reversely linked to its intake charge, which implements a thermodynamic cycle having an initial compression along a line close to an isotherm or a polytropic of formula p.V^(n)=constant (where p=pressure, V=volume, n=specific heat ratio), where n<1 and an expansion according to a line close to a full expansion, all this at a maximum temperature and in pressure.

In the proposed invention, the energy of the exhaust gases is used when mixed with a compressed liquid or compressed liquids to obtain a thermodynamic work, and is not used for operating a reversed machine, i.e., a refrigerator.

ES236361513 refers to a thermoelectric energy storage system for providing thermic energy to a thermodynamic machine for generating electricity, comprising: a hot storage unit which is in connection with a heat exchanger and contains a thermic storage medium, a working fluid circuit for circulating a working fluid through the heat exchanger for heat transfer by the thermic storage medium, and in which the temperature difference between the working fluid and the thermic storage medium at an entry point and an exit point of the heat exchanger is less than 50° C. during the heat transfer.

The proposal described liereM is not for storing thermic energy but for generating thermodynamic work by using the energy of the fluids exiting the turbine before entering the condenser or the heat exchanger.

Conclusions: As is clear from the search conducted, none of the documents retrieved solves the problems raised, as the proposed invention does.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The thermic machine with thermodynamic cycle according to the present invention as shown in FIG. 1 is constituted by:

-   -   A tank of compressed liquid or of a mixture of compressed         liquids for containing the working fluid or fluids, preferably         water, being it possible to use other liquids such as for         instance an aqueous solution of citric acid, hydrocarbons,         ethers, oils, among others. That is, substances or mixtures         which are in liquid state when compressed or supercooled at room         temperature. Said tank is filled with the working liquid or         liquids from two possible sources: The first source is when the         working liquid or liquids can be recovered, and this occurs when         the machine according to the present invention works with         high-temperature fluids which are supplied by a closed thermic         cycle machine such as the Brayton, Rankine, among ID others. A         second source of supply consists in using new liquid or liquids         when the machine according to the present invention works with         high-temperature fluids that are supplied by opened thermic         cycle thermic machines such as Brayton, Diesel, Otto, among         others, or by industrial processes in which the discarded fluids         have a temperature higher than the saturation temperature of the         working fluid.     -   A suction line that connects the tank with a pump     -   A liquid pump     -   A pump outlet line     -   A high temperature fluid supply line coming from:         -   a. a thermic machine with a cycle opened to the atmosphere,             such as a diesel cycle, an Otto cycle, preferably a Brayton             cycle as shown in FIG. 2, of which the actual exhaust             temperature ranges between 495 and 560 degrees Celsius. The             temperature of the supplied fluid must be above the boiling             temperature of compressed or subcooled liquids. Taking water             as an example, the temperature of the high temperature fluid             must be above 100° C. at a pressure of one atmosphere, which             is the ambient pressure at the sea level.         -   b. The high temperature fluid can also come from a boiler, a             heat exchanger or from an industrial process, and not only             from a thermic machine.         -   c. The high temperature fluid comes from a thermic machine             with closed cycle, like the Brayton, Rankine, among others.             The temperature of the supplied fluid must be above the             boiling temperature of the compressed or subcooled liquids.     -   Fluid mixing zone.     -   A turbine.     -   An output of the turbine can go to:         -   a. The environment when the machine according to the present             invention works with high temperature fluids which are             supplied by opened thermic cycle machines, or with             high-temperature fluids of industrial processes.         -   b. A closed cycle thermic machine such as the Brayton,             Rankine cycle, among others, for ending its cycle when the             high temperature fluid is supplied from them.

The operation of the thermic machine with thermodynamic cycle is as follows:

-   -   Step 1: The compressed liquid or the mixture of compressed         liquids in the tank are pumped to the mixing zone.         Simultaneously, high temperature fluid is supplied through the         supply line to the fluid mixing zone.     -   Step 2: The mixture obtained in the mixing zone increases its         velocity as a result of the change of density by evaporation.     -   Step 3: The mixture is sent to the turbine for performing a work         by change of kinetic energy.     -   Step 4: The fluid mixture exits the turbine and is discharged to         the environment or continues the cycle of a closed-cycle thermic         machine.

In a different embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 3, said thermic machine is provided with a heat exchanger or a boiler in the output line, and said heat exchanger or boiler can belong to a thermic machine, which heats the subcooled or compressed liquid until the temperature of saturated liquid. The operation of this embodiment is different from the main embodiment in that, in step 1, the liquid which is pumped in the mixing zone enters as a saturated liquid and not as a compressed fluid, which, in the ease of water, is 100° C. at the pressure of one atmosphere, and, in step 2, when mixed with the high temperature fluid, the evaporation is made immediately, increasing its kinetic energy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the description, attached herewith are drawings that represent a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1: Schematic view of a thermic machine with thermodynamic cycle,

FIG. 2: Schematic view of a thermic machine with Brayton cycle opened to the atmosphere.

FIG. 3: Schematic view of a thermic machine with a heat exchanger.

The number references of the figures correspond to the following constituent elements of the present invention:

-   -   1. Tank     -   2. Working fluid     -   3. Opened Brayton cycle thermic machine     -   4. Suction line     -   5. Pump     -   6. Outlet line of the pump     -   7. High temperature fluid     -   8. Mixing Zone     -   9. Turbine     -   10. Gases saturated or superheated steam     -   11. Boiler or heat exchanger

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment of the invention mentioning such references can be based on:

-   -   A tank (1) of compressed liquid or of a mixture of compressed         liquids, intended to contain the working fluid or fluids (2),         preferably water, it being possible to use other liquids such as         for instance an aqueous solution of citric acid, hydrocarbons,         ethers, oils, among others, i.e. substances or mixtures which         are compressed or subcooled in the liquid state at room         temperature. Said tank (1) is filled with the working liquid or         liquids (2) from two possible sources: The first source is when         the working liquid or liquids (2) can be recovered, and this         occurs when the machine according to the present invention works         with high temperature fluids (2) that are supplied by a closed         thermic cycle machine such as the Brayton, s Rankine, among         others. A second source of supply consists in using a new liquid         or new liquids when the machine according, to the present         invention works with high temperature fluids (2) that are         supplied by opened thermic cycle thermic machines such as the         Brayton (3), Diesel, Otto types, among others, or with other         industrial processes where the fluids that are discarded have a         temperature higher than the saturation temperature of the         working fluid (2);     -   A suction line (4) connecting the tank with a pump;     -   A pump (5) for liquids;     -   An output line (6) of the pump:     -   A supply line of high temperature fluid (7) coming from:         -   a. A thermic machine with a cycle opened to the atmosphere             such as a Diesel cycle, an Otto cycle, and preferably a             Brayton cycle (3) as shown in FIG. 2, which the actual             exhaust temperature ranges between 495 and 560 degrees             Celcius. The temperature of the supplied fluid must be above             the boiling temperature of compressed or subcooled liquids.             Taking water as an example, the temperature of the high             temperature fluid must be above 100° C. at a pressure of one             atmosphere, which is the ambient pressure at the sea level.         -   b. The high temperature fluid can also conic from a boiler,             a heat exchanger (11) or from an industrial process, without             necessity that it comes only from a thermic machine.         -   c. The high temperature fluid comes from a thermic machine             with closed cycle like the Brayton, Rankine cycle, among             others. The temperature of the supplied fluid must be above             the boiling temperature of the compressed or subcooled             liquids.     -   Fluid mixing zone (8).     -   A turbine (9).     -   An outlet (10) of the turbine that can go to:         -   a. The environment when the machine according to the present             invention operates with high temperature fluids that are             provided by opened thermic cycle machines or with             high-temperature fluids of industrial processes.         -   b. A thermic machine with closed cycle such as the Brayton,             Rankine cycle, among others, for terminating its cycle when             the high temperature fluid is supplied from them.

The operation of the thermodynamic cycle thermic machine is as follows:

-   -   Step 1: The compressed liquid or the mixture of compressed         liquids (2) of the tank (1) are pumped to the mixing Zone (8).         Simultaneously, high temperature fluid is supplied through the         supply line to the fluid mixing zone (8).

Step 2: The mixture obtained in the mixing zone (8) increases its velocity as a result of the density change by evaporation.

Step 3: The mixture is sent to the turbine (9) to perform a work by change in kinetic energy.

Step 4: The mixture of fluids (10) exits the turbine (9) and is discharged to the environment or continues with the cycle of a closed-cycle thermic machine.

In a different embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 3, said thermic machine is provided, with a heat exchanger or a boiler (11) in the output line, said heat exchanger or boiler possibly belonging to a thermic machine which heats the compressed or subcooled liquid up to the saturated liquid temperature. The operation of this variant embodiment is different from the main embodiment in that, in step 1, the liquid being pumped to the mixing zone (8) enters as a saturated liquid and not as compressed fluid, which, in the case of water, is 100° C. at the pressure of one atmosphere, and, in step 2, when mixed with the high temperature fluid, the evaporation, is done immediately, increasing its kinetic energy. 

1. A thermic machine with thermodynamic cycle, characterized in that it comprises: a tank (1) of compressed liquid or of a mixture of compressed liquids, intended to contain the working fluid or fluids (2), preferably water, it being possible to use other liquids such as for instance an aqueous solution of citric acid, hydrocarbons, ethers, oils, among others, compressed or subcooled in the liquid state at mom temperature; said tank (1) is filled with the working liquid or liquids (2) from two possible sources: the first source is when the working liquid or liquids (2) can be recovered, and this occurs when the machine according to the present invention works with high temperature fluids (2) that are supplied by a closed thermic cycle machine such as the Brayton, Rankine's; a second source of supply of this tank consists in using a new liquid or new liquids when the machine according is to the present invention works with high temperature fluids (2) that are supplied by opened thermic cycle thermic machines such as Brayton's (3), Diesel's, Otto's, or with other industrial processes where the fluids that are discarded have a temperature higher than the saturation temperature of the working fluid (2); a suction line (4) connecting the tank with a pump; a pump (5) for liquids; an output line (6) of the pump; a supply line of high temperature fluid (7) coming from: a. a thermic machine with a cycle opened to the atmosphere such as a Diesel cycle or an Otto cycle, and preferably a Brayton cycle (3) as shown in FIG. 2, which the actual exhaust temperature ranges between 495 and 560 degrees Celcius; the temperature of the supplied fluid must be above the boiling temperature of compressed or subcooled liquids; taking water as an example, the temperature of the high temperature fluid must be above 100° C. at a pressure of one atmosphere; b. a boiler, a heat exchanger (11) or an industrial process; c. or a thermic machine with closed cycle like the Brayton, Rankine cycle; fluid mixing zone (8); a turbine (9); an outlet (10) of the turbine that can go to; a. the environment when the machine according to the present invention operates with high temperature fluids that are provided by opened thermic cycle machines or with high-temperature fluids of industrial processes. b. a thermic machine with closed cycle such as the Brayton, Rankine cycle.
 2. A thermic machine with thermodynamic cycle, characterized in that, in a different embodiment, the machine is provided with a heat exchanger or a boiler (11) in the output line, said heat exchanger or boiler possibly belonging to a thermic machine which heats the compressed or subcooled liquid up to the saturated liquid temperature.
 3. Operation of the thermic machine with thermodynamic cycle, characterized by the following steps: Step 1: The compressed liquid or the mixture of compressed liquids (2) of the tank (1) are pumped to the mixing zone (8), and simultaneously high temperature fluid is supplied through the supply line to the fluid mixing zone (8); Step 2: the mixture obtained in the mixing zone (8) increases its velocity as a result of the density change by evaporation; Step 3: the mixture is sent to the turbine 9 to perform a work by change in kinetic energy; Step 4: the mixture of fluids (10) exits the turbine (9) and is discharged to the environment or continues in the cycle of a closed-cycle thermic machine.
 4. Operation of the thermic machine with thermodynamic cycle, characterized in that, in a different embodiment, in step 1, the liquid being pumped to the mixing zone (8) enters as a saturated liquid and not as compressed fluid, which, in the case of water, is 100° C. at the pressure of one atmosphere, and, in step 2, when mixed with the high temperature fluid, the evaporation is done immediately, increasing its kinetic energy. 